Since Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in January 2024, understanding the true cost of entry has become simpler — but still confusing for first-time travelers. A standard Kenya eTA costs $30 USD, yet the final amount you pay depends on your visa category, nationality, and how you apply.
This guide compares every Kenya visa cost in one place — standard eTA, transit, business, multi-entry, and the East Africa Tourist Visa — so you can budget accurately before you apply for your Kenya eTA.
Kenya Visa Cost: Quick Comparison
Here is a side-by-side look at every Kenya visa type and its cost:
| Visa Type | Government Fee | Total with Processing | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard eTA | $30 USD | $32.50 – $34 USD | 90 days | Single entry |
| Transit eTA | $20 USD | $22 – $24 USD | 72 hours | Single entry |
| 1-Year Multi-Entry eTA | $300 USD | $302 – $305 USD | 1 year | Multiple entry |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry eTA (US only) | $185 USD | $187 – $190 USD | 5 years | Multiple entry |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) | $100 USD | $102 – $105 USD | 90 days | Multiple entry |
| Expedited Standard eTA | $130 USD | $132 – $135 USD | 90 days | Single entry |
The government fee is mandatory for every application. The additional $2-$5 covers payment processing charges collected by your bank or card issuer.
Standard eTA: $30 USD
The standard eTA is what most travelers pay. At $30 USD, it is one of the most affordable travel authorizations in the world. This fee applies equally to all nationalities — whether you hold a US, UK, Indian, Australian, or any other passport.
What you get for $30:
- Single entry into Kenya
- Valid for 90 days from the date of issue
- Processing within 72 hours (often faster)
- Entirely online — no embassy visits required
The old Kenya visa cost $50 USD before January 2024, so the eTA system saves you $20 on every application. Processing time also dropped from 5-10 business days to a maximum of 72 hours.
For the full breakdown of the standard eTA, see our Kenya eTA fee guide.
Transit eTA: $20 USD
If you have a connecting flight through Kenya and need to leave the airport during your layover, the transit eTA costs $20 USD. This is the cheapest option available.
Key rules for the transit eTA:
- Valid for 72 hours only — not extendable
- You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Single entry only
- If you stay in the international transit zone, you do not need this eTA
The transit eTA is ideal for travelers with overnight layovers in Nairobi who want to explore the city briefly. If your layover is under 8 hours and you remain in the airport, no eTA is needed.
For complete transit visa details, read our Kenya transit visa guide.
Business eTA: Same $30 Fee, Different Purpose
Kenya does not charge a separate fee for business travel. The business eTA costs the same $30 USD as the standard tourist eTA. The difference is in what you can do while in Kenya.
With a standard eTA, you can:
- Attend business meetings and conferences
- Conduct short-term professional activities
- Negotiate contracts and explore business opportunities
You cannot, however, take up formal employment or engage in paid work. For that, you need a work permit — a separate process handled by Kenya’s Department of Immigration.
If you plan multiple business trips per year, consider the 1-year multi-entry eTA at $300 USD instead of paying $30 for each individual trip. The break-even point is 10 trips per year.
For a full comparison of business vs. tourist entry options, see our Kenya business visa guide.
Multi-Entry eTA: $300 or $185 USD
Frequent travelers to Kenya have two multi-entry options:
1-Year Multi-Entry eTA — $300 USD
Available to all nationalities, this eTA allows unlimited entries into Kenya over 12 months. Each stay can last up to 90 days.
This makes financial sense if you visit Kenya more than 10 times per year — 10 standard eTAs at $30 each equals $300, the same as the annual pass.
5-Year Multi-Entry eTA — $185 USD (US Citizens Only)
Through a bilateral agreement between Kenya and the United States, US passport holders can get a 5-year multi-entry eTA for $185 USD. This is the best deal available for any nationality.
At roughly $37 per year, US citizens who visit Kenya even twice a year save money compared to buying individual eTAs. To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid US passport
- Apply through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke
- Meet all standard eTA requirements
For UK and Indian citizens, the multi-entry option is limited to 1 year at $300 USD. There is no 5-year option for non-US nationalities at this time.
East Africa Tourist Visa: $100 USD
Planning to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on one trip? The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 USD and covers all three countries for 90 days with multiple entries between them.
| Feature | EATV ($100) | Three Separate eTAs ($90) |
|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda | One per application |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days each |
| Entry type | Multiple (between the 3 countries) | Single (per eTA) |
| Total cost | $100 USD | $90 USD |
| Convenience | One application | Three separate applications |
The EATV costs $10 more than three individual eTAs, but it saves you the hassle of three separate applications and allows seamless cross-border travel between the three countries. Apply for the EATV through any of the three countries’ eTA portals.
Additional Fees You Should Know About
Beyond the government eTA fee, there are a few extra costs that can add up:
| Fee Type | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Government eTA fee | $20 – $300 USD | Yes |
| Payment processing fee | $2 – $4 USD | Yes |
| Foreign currency conversion | Varies by bank | Depends on card |
| Third-party visa service | $40 – $100 USD | Optional |
| Expedited processing | $100 USD | Optional |
Third-party services are the biggest hidden cost. Many unofficial websites charge $70-$150 for the same eTA that costs $30 on the official portal. These sites often appear at the top of Google search results and look legitimate, but they are not affiliated with the Kenyan government.
Always apply directly through etakenya.go.ke to avoid unnecessary markups.
Expedited Processing: Is It Worth $100 Extra?
If you need your eTA urgently, you can pay an additional $100 USD for expedited processing. This brings the total cost of a standard eTA to approximately $130 USD.
Expedited processing offers:
- Near-immediate approval (within hours instead of days)
- Priority queue placement
- Peace of mind for last-minute travel
However, expedited processing is not guaranteed to be instant. It depends on application volume and whether your documentation is complete. If you have a clean application with all required documents, standard processing often completes within 24 hours anyway.
Our advice: Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip and save the $100. For most travelers, standard processing is fast enough.
Kenya Visa Cost by Nationality
One of the best things about Kenya’s eTA system is that fees are the same for almost all nationalities. Unlike many countries that charge different rates based on where you are from, Kenya applies a flat fee structure.
| Nationality | Standard eTA | Transit eTA | Multi-Entry Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 5-year at $185 USD |
| UK citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Indian citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Canadian citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| Australian citizens | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
| All other nationalities | $30 USD | $20 USD | 1-year at $300 USD |
The only nationality-specific perk is the 5-year multi-entry eTA for US citizens at $185 USD. Every other nationality pays the same base fees.
Exempt nationalities: Citizens of certain East African Community (EAC) countries — including Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — do not need an eTA at all. They can enter Kenya visa-free for up to 180 days.
How Kenya’s eTA Cost Compares Globally
At $30 USD, the Kenya eTA is competitively priced compared to similar travel authorizations worldwide:
| Country | Travel Authorization | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | eTA | $30 USD |
| United States | ESTA | $21 USD |
| United Kingdom | ETA | ~$13 USD (10 GBP) |
| Australia | ETA | ~$13 USD (20 AUD) |
| Canada | eTA | ~$5 USD (7 CAD) |
| Europe (Schengen) | ETIAS | ~$8 USD (7 EUR) |
While Kenya’s eTA costs more than some Western equivalents, it is still affordable — especially given that it replaces what was previously a $50 visa with a 5-10 day processing time.
How to Pay the Kenya eTA Fee
Payment must be completed online at the time of application. You cannot pay at the airport, at an embassy, or upon arrival.
The official portal accepts:
- Visa credit and debit cards
- Mastercard credit and debit cards
- American Express
- Apple Pay (on supported devices)
Payment is processed in US dollars (USD). If your card is in another currency, your bank applies the current exchange rate plus any applicable conversion fee.
Important: The eTA fee is non-refundable once submitted, even if your application is denied. Double-check all your information and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date before paying.
How Much Does a Kenya Visa Cost in Total?
Adding everything up, here is what you can expect to pay for a typical Kenya trip:
| Cost Item | Budget Traveler | Business Traveler | Frequent Visitor (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTA fee | $30 (standard) | $30 (standard) | $185 (5-year multi-entry) |
| Processing fee | $3 | $3 | $3 |
| Per-trip cost | $33 | $33 | ~$37/year |
| Trips per year | 1 | 5 | 12+ |
| Annual eTA cost | $33 | $165 | $188 |
For most travelers, the total Kenya visa cost comes to around $33 USD per trip — a small price to pay for access to one of Africa’s top destinations.
FAQs About Kenya Visa Cost
How much does a Kenya eTA cost in 2026?
A standard Kenya eTA costs $30 USD (government fee). With processing fees, the total comes to approximately $32.50-$34 USD. Transit eTAs cost $20 USD, and multi-entry options range from $185 to $300 USD.
Is the Kenya eTA fee the same for all nationalities?
Yes. The standard eTA fee of $30 USD applies equally to all nationalities. The only exception is the 5-year multi-entry eTA, which is available exclusively to US citizens at $185 USD through a bilateral agreement.
What is the cheapest Kenya visa option?
The transit eTA at $20 USD is the cheapest option. It is designed for travelers with connecting flights through Kenya who need to leave the airport during a layover. It is valid for 72 hours only.
Do children pay the same Kenya eTA fee?
Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own eTA. The fee is the same for children as for adults — $30 USD for a standard eTA. Each child needs a separate application and payment.
Can I get a refund if my Kenya eTA is denied?
No. The Kenya eTA fee is non-refundable once submitted, even if the application is denied. To avoid losing your fee, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and all information is accurate before submitting.
Is there a Kenya visa on arrival?
No. Kenya abolished visa on arrival when it introduced the eTA system on January 1, 2024. All travelers must apply for and receive their eTA before boarding their flight. There is no option to get a visa at the airport.
How much does a 5-year Kenya visa cost?
US citizens can get a 5-year multiple-entry eTA for $185 USD. This is the only 5-year option available and is exclusive to US passport holders. All other nationalities are limited to a 1-year multi-entry eTA at $300 USD.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa cheaper than separate eTAs?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 USD, while three separate eTAs for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda would cost approximately $90 USD total. The EATV costs $10 more but offers the convenience of a single application and seamless cross-border travel between all three countries.
